A MISSING early 18th century Italian violin has been found - in a church bin.

The valuable instrument disappeared during a Last Night of the Proms concert at Christ Church, Skipton, on Saturday.

The event was part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Settle Orchestra.

Initially, it was feared that the violin - a family heirloom - had been stolen, but it later turned up in a bin at the church.

"It is undamaged," said the musician's wife, who asked not to be named. "It is good news and we are delighted."

She said the violin had belonged to her husband's grandfather, who played it all his life, and was passed to her husband more than 20 years ago.

"It is a very beautiful instrument and has got a lovely tone. It has been cherished over the years," she added.